Safe and Brave Spaces Network
Lead by Love brings you a new network initiative. We need to have safe spaces for vulnerable people to congregate, but we also need brave spaces in order to have those challenging conversations about the diverse peoples that make up humanity.
We affirm everyone’s right to be human, and to identify as they choose, and not involuntarily be labelled by others. If you’re ready to identify with or be an ally to vulnerable groups, then our network is for you.
Lead by Love – because there is no mandate for hate!
What Is A ‘Brave Space’?
- A brave space is a supportive place where participants feel comfortable learning, sharing honestly and equally, and growing individually and together.
- A brave space is inclusive of all races, sexes, genders, abilities, immigration statuses, languages, and lived experiences.
- Brave spaces can help encourage dialogue, especially about challenging topics like anti-racism.
While “psychological safety” and “safe spaces” are trending terms, many people will equate these with comfort. In a psychologically safe place, participants already have the capacity to interact openly and without the fear of judgment or punishment.
But conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion are not always comfortable, nor should they be if we are truly challenging ourselves to grow in our worldviews.
Principles To Facilitate Brave Spaces
- We are present in the room and with each other (virtual or in-person).
- We are open to new ideas, ways of thinking, and feedback.
- We listen deeply and seek new knowledges and understanding
- We are curious and hold a willingness to have our minds changed.
- We bring awareness to our biases, assumptions, and judgements.
- We hold a space of trust and confidentiality.
- We focus on possibility and see obstacles as opportunities for learning.
- We acknowledge and appreciate each others’ gifts, strengths, and contributions.
- We hold brave space for courageous conversations.
- We challenge ideas, not people.
- We allow discomfort to lead our growth.
- We take accountability for our own learning (Knowledge Mobilization vs. Knowledge Extraction)
- We create space for multiple truths.
- People have different experiences of how things happen. This doesn’t mean there is a right or wrong answer. Instead of ‘this or that’, we’ll try ‘this and that’
- Speak your truth, and seek understanding of other truths that may differ from your experiences
- We acknowledge our special relationship with the environment around us.
- We live amongst the sacred mountains of the Bow Valley and acknowledge the deep histories of the lands where we live, work, and play.
Safe vs. Brave Spaces
While both “safe spaces” and “brave spaces” aim to foster inclusive environments, “safe spaces” prioritize emotional comfort and protection from harm, while “brave spaces” encourage challenging conversations and stepping outside of comfort zones to engage with diverse perspectives.
Safe Spaces:
- Focus:
Creating an environment where individuals feel physically and emotionally secure, free from judgment, harassment, and discrimination. - Goal:
To foster a sense of belonging and comfort, allowing individuals to express themselves without fear. - Examples:
Affinity groups, spaces specifically set aside for marginalized or minoritized identities. - Potential Drawbacks:
Can sometimes stifle honest dialogue and critical thinking if the focus is solely on avoiding discomfort.
Brave Spaces:
- Focus:
Encouraging individuals to speak up, share their perspectives, confront biases, and engage in constructive dialogue, even when it might be uncomfortable or challenging. - Goal:
To promote learning and growth through engaging with diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions. - Examples:
Classrooms, lecture halls, public forums where the search for knowledge is paramount, even if some discussions may make certain students uncomfortable. - Potential Drawbacks:
Can be intimidating for some individuals if they don’t feel prepared to engage in challenging conversations.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Safe Spaces | Brave Spaces |
| Primary Goal | Emotional comfort and protection | Encouraging challenging dialogue and stepping outside of comfort zones |
| Focus | Avoiding harm and discomfort | Engaging with diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions |
| Participant Expectations | To feel safe and comfortable | To be open to challenging ideas and perspectives |